Max-Level Son of a Chaebol Family - Chapter 63

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

63. Golden Business Card

 

Uncle (Elder) burst into hearty laughter.

 

“Well, well, it really is our Seong-jun! You rascal, if you came back from the Middle East, you should have called your hyung first. What are you doing here?”

 

“I was having a company dinner with my employees.”

 

“A company dinner? How many days has it been since you returned, and you’re already taking care of your employees? I heard from Uncle. You’ve been through a lot.”

 

Uncle (Elder) gently stroked Father’s head.

 

It was a touch full of affection.

 

Father obediently accepted that touch like a good child.

 

“I heard from Father. You have Wife and Children now?”

 

“Yes, hyung. That’s what happened.”

 

“Wow, you never said a word about dating. When did you get Wife and Children, huh? This hyung is really hurt. Hehehe.”

 

My Eyes met with Uncle (Elder).

 

“Huh?”

 

Uncle (Elder) pointed at me.

 

“Seong-jun, there’s a kid here who looks exactly like you when you were young… Am I really drunk right now?”

 

“You saw correctly. He’s my son.”

 

Father lightly placed his hand on my shoulder.

 

“Jeong-hyeok, say hello. This is Uncle (Elder).”

 

“Hello, Uncle (Elder). I’m Cha Jeong-hyeok.”

 

I put my hands together and bowed deeply.

 

Uncle (Elder) immediately crouched down to meet my Eyes and smiled.

 

“So you’re Seong-jun’s son, Cha Jeong-hyeok? Nice to meet you. I’m Seong-jun’s big brother, Cha Dae-jun. I’m your Uncle (eldest).”

 

It was a silly smile reeking of alcohol.

 

“Does Jeong-hyeok like Jajangmyeon?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Well then, here’s a quiz!”

 

Uncle (Elder) pulled out Bills from his Wallet randomly and stuffed them generously into my hands.

 

Honestly, it was a bit absurd.

 

‘Giving all the money in his wallet to a nephew he’s meeting for the first time? Is this guy a pushover or a generous soul? Huh, how much is all this?’

 

Back in the day, I went around collecting debts for loan sharks so many times.

 

With this much, I can estimate the amount right away.

 

“How many bowls of jajangmyeon that our Jeong-hyeok likes can you buy with this? If you get it right, I’ll give you all of this! If you get it wrong…”

 

“1,715 bowls.”

 

“…”

 

Uncle (Elder) blinked his eyes.

 

“Wait a minute, Jeong-hyeok. Uncle is really curious, so can I count this money just once?”

 

“Of course. Money Calculation should be accurate.”

 

I obediently handed the bundle of money back.

 

Uncle (Elder) moistened his finger with saliva and began counting the Bills.

 

“Ten thousand won, twenty thousand won, thirty thousand won…”

 

“514,500 won.”

 

“…”

 

Uncle (Elder) let out hollow laughs while counting the money to the end.

 

“…Huh? Seong-jun, I think I had a bit too much to drink today. You count it this time.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Uncle (Elder) handed all the Bills to Father.

 

Father counted the Bills three more times.

 

“…514,500 won.”

 

Father asked Uncle (Elder) with a bewildered expression.

 

“Hyung, but how much is a bowl of jajangmyeon these days?”

 

“…Well, I don’t know either.”

 

I clicked my tongue.

 

“300 won.”

 

You’re asking a question without even knowing how much a bowl of jajangmyeon costs in the first place?

 

Of course, Father had been in the Middle East for so long that it was natural he wouldn’t know the price of jajangmyeon!

 

* * *

 

We sat side by side on a bench in the garden to get some fresh air, sipping vending machine coffee.

 

No, let me correct that.

 

Father and Uncle (Elder) got milk coffee, while I chose job’s tears tea.

 

Slurp.

 

Uncle (Elder) chuckled softly.

 

“No matter how much I think about it, it’s amazing. How did you get that right?”

 

After three years of making daily guesses, this much is basic.

 

Uncle (Elder) was looking at me like he was watching some fascinating animal.

 

“Right? The probability of accurately guessing money that was just randomly grabbed and given…”

 

“I just made a rough guess?”

 

What? Why? What!

 

All I used was visual estimation and fingertip sensation!

 

In the end, it really was just a rough guess based on estimation!

 

“You’re good at division too.”

 

“Kids my age these days can all do that much. It’s different from when you were young, Uncle (eldest). Study is the only way to survive, you know?”

 

Rambling on with excuses and reading others’ expressions isn’t my style.

 

I played innocent.

 

Next comes naturally changing the subject.

 

“But Uncle (eldest), is it okay for you to keep staying out here like this?”

 

“Oh! I came out saying I was going to the restroom. Well, I don’t know either. Whatever happens, happens! Hehehe.”

 

Uncle (Elder) patted my head.

 

It was as gentle as petting a newborn puppy.

 

“My goodness, how clever. Even considering Uncle (eldest)’s situation. Isn’t our Cha Jeong-hyeok really a genius?”

 

I think I understand why Father obediently offered his head like a good child.

 

“He’s so reliable and clever, just like our Seong-jun when he was little. Seong-jun, the more I look at him, the more he’s definitely your son.”

 

Uncle (Elder) rested his chin on his hand and tilted his head.

 

“What kind of snacks does our Jeong-hyeok like best?”

 

“I don’t really like snacks much. I haven’t tried many either.”

 

Honestly, snacks are just expensive, and even if you eat a few, they don’t fill you up.

 

It’s better to buy ramen with that money and cook it.

 

When I was young, I couldn’t afford them, and when I got older, I couldn’t eat them for fear of diabetes.

 

The only times I got to eat snacks were when I sold gum in the subway, massaged the shoulders of old men at the real estate office, or ran errands for gamblers.

 

“I’ve tried hardtack, puffed rice, corn, and twisted donuts. Things like that.”

 

“You managed your teeth thoroughly to prevent decay. What do your friends like? Snacks with chocolate or strawberry?”

 

“Hmm…”

 

“Wow, our Jeong-hyeok is thinking seriously about it.”

 

Uncle (Elder) looked back at Father.

 

“Seong-jun, he’s exactly like you. Not just his thoughtful expression, but how can even his snack preferences be identical? At this point, isn’t it the mystery of genetics?”

 

“Is that so?”

 

“Sigh, this blockhead. You were quite cute when you were little, but growing up turned you into such a boring guy.”

 

Uncle (Elder) gave me a thumbs up.

 

“Our Jeong-hyeok is the coolest! Please grow up just like this!”

 

“Uncle is cool too.”

 

“Looking again, our Jeong-hyeok is better than his father! Your lip service is quite solid.”

 

“Of course. Isn’t everything in life give and take?”

 

Kindness with kindness, malice with malice, praise with praise.

 

I lightly waved the bundle of bills that Uncle (Elder) had slipped me.

 

“If I received money, I should earn my keep.”

 

I put my hands together and bowed politely.

 

“Thank you for the allowance. I’ll use it gratefully.”

 

“Yes, yes. Buy snacks with your friends. Get puffed rice and corn, and buy lots of chocolate snacks and ice cream to share. That’s how you become popular with friends.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Just then, a middle-aged man who came out of the restaurant spotted us and brightened up.

 

“President Cha, you were here? I thought you might have gone home while drunk.”

 

“Director Song, I’m sorry about this. I just happened to run into my younger brother and nephew here.”

 

“Your younger brother and nephew…”

 

“Seong-jun, come greet Director Song. This is my youngest brother.”

 

Following Uncle’s introduction, the two shook hands.

 

“How do you do, I’m Cha Seong-jun from Taeseong Construction.”

 

“Ah, you’re Taeseong’s youngest Young Master. I’m Song Jin-ho, director of Taeseong Hospital.”

 

Director Song of Taeseong Hospital handed over his business card.

 

‘Golden light!’

 

A brilliant golden light burst forth from the business card.

 

That’s why I was puzzled.

 

‘Of all places, Taeseong Hospital doesn’t seem like it would have anything particularly profitable… Ah!’

 

A passage suddenly came to mind.

 

Words written in the statement that Uncle Cheol-gu had written.

 

It was a passage written on the rough paper I had deliberately taken away so Grandfather would focus only on Taeseong Construction.

 

【The person that the deceased Kim Gwang-pil from Wookwang Construction carefully made contact with was Kim Gap-yong. He’s a work supervisor at Taeseong Chemical’s Factory No. 4.】

 

【He has a seven-year-old daughter hospitalized at Taeseong Hospital. He’s quite behind on hospital bills and has been going around borrowing money for a long time.】

 

【Through the introduction of the deceased Kim Gwang-pil, Kim Gap-yong had two private meetings in the director’s office at Wooguang Hospital. Would it be reasonable for a mere factory work supervisor to have private meetings with a hospital director?】

 

【It wouldn’t be. Someone at the level of Wooguang’s hospital director doesn’t meet with just anyone.】

 

【That means there was cooperation from someone who could exert pressure on the Wooguang hospital director.】

 

This was the investigation Uncle Cheol-gu had been conducting right up until he was dragged away by the KCIA.

 

‘I was already thinking I should visit Taeseong Hospital sometime soon anyway. This works out well.’

 

I casually interjected.

 

“That business card. Could I get one too?”

 

Father added to the puzzled Director Song.

 

“This is my son.”

 

“Ah, then you must be Chairman Cha of Taeseong Group’s grandson. But why do you need a business card…”

 

“I’d like my mother to get a health checkup. Would that be possible?”

 

“Of course it’s possible. I’ll attend to her personally, setting aside everything else. Our Taeseong Hospital boasts the highest level of medical services in the Republic of Korea. Our medical staff are always on standby…”

 

“I’d feel bad about causing such trouble. I was thinking of calling the hospital in advance before going.”

 

“Ah, so that’s why you wanted the business card.”

 

Director Song of Taeseong Hospital readily placed his business card on my palm.

 

“I’ll instruct them to clear the schedule in advance whenever you contact us.”

 

“Would it be possible to make a reservation for one more person when Mother gets her health checkup?”

 

“Father as well?”

 

Father, who was already going to be incredibly busy taking on not only the Subway Line 2 construction but also the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal construction, couldn’t hide his troubled expression.

 

I quickly added.

 

“Not my father. It’s for a 57-year-old grandmother.”

 

“······Ah.”

 

No, Father.

 

Why are you looking so openly disappointed?

 

“Thanks to Grandmother Ok-bun and Uncle Cheol-gu, Mother was able to reach the hospital in time and save her life. I want to repay their kindness.”

 

No, Father.

 

Now why are you looking so shocked again?

 

“Jeong-hyeok, what do you mean by that?”

 

“Actually, a few days ago our mother received treatment at Taeseong Hospital. For coal briquette gas poisoning.”

 

Director Song seemed greatly flustered.

 

“Su, such a thing happened? Oh my, why didn’t I know about such an important matter.”

 

“I’m worried there might be some aftereffects.”

 

Father lightly bowed his head to Director Song of Taeseong Hospital.

 

“Please take good care of us.”

 

“I should be the one asking for your favor. Please trust and leave it to me!”

 

Uncle (Elder) also held out his business card, not to be outdone.

 

“Here, take one of Uncle’s business cards too.”

 

It’s incomparably more golden and brilliant than Director Song’s of Taeseong Hospital!

 

Not only was it sparkling with golden light, but it was a business card with golden fireworks popping here and there.

 

‘Amazing! It’s as dazzling as the written agreement Grandfather wrote! It’s even brighter than our house’s property deed!’

 

Without realizing it, I swallowed hard.

 

-Cha Dae-jun, President of Taeseong Motors

 

Taeseong Motors was one of the core affiliated companies of Taeseong Group.

 

Director Song of Taeseong Hospital bowed 90 degrees and requested to take his leave.

 

“It’s gotten late. I’ll head in now, so please continue your family conversation.”

 

Uncle (Elder) also went “Oh my,” and discreetly checked his wristwatch.

 

“Has it already gotten this late? I should probably get going too.”

 

“Yes, Hyung. Please get home safely.”

 

“Uncle (eldest), is your driver waiting outside by any chance?”

 

“No, I told him to go home first.”

 

I stuffed several 10,000 won bills into Uncle (Elder)’s pocket.

 

“Since you’ve been drinking, don’t drive yourself and take a taxi home safely. Well then, be careful on the night road.”

 

“······.”

 

Uncle (Elder) put his hand in his pocket and checked the 10,000 won bills I had given him.

 

He burst into hearty laughter.

 

“Seong-jun, your son is really something! Hahaha!”

 

Uncle (Elder) cheerfully waved the bills.

 

“Wow, this is the first time in my life I’ve received taxi fare from my nephew! Wow, this feels amazing! Hahaha!”

 

Uncle (Elder) waved his hand widely.

 

“Seong-jun, Cha Jeong-hyeok, let’s meet again soon at a family dinner!”

 

His departing steps looked very light.

 

“I had been wondering all along why Father gave up Taeseong Chemical so easily. I think I’m starting to understand the reason a little now.”

 

The feeling is mutual.

 

Because I think I’m getting to know him a little as a person called Uncle (Elder), not as the information about Cha Dae-jun written in the Taeseong Group report.

 

* * *

 

Chairman Cha’s Mansion of Taeseong Group.

 

Chairman Cha tilted his drinking glass late into the night with Secretary Kim.

 

He felt so good that he didn’t even seem to be getting drunk.

 

From earlier, even while sober, it felt like he was floating on clouds.

 

Chairman Cha burst into laughter repeatedly.

 

“Our Taeseong has gained a benefactor! I never knew things would go this well thanks to that Anonymous Benefactor! Hahaha!”

 

That was the reason the alcohol kept going down so smoothly.

 

Secretary Kim asked.

 

“Chairman, may I ask you one thing?”

 

“What is it?”

 

“Why don’t you pressure me about who the Anonymous Benefactor is, or interrogate me about whether they’re trustworthy?”

 

Chairman Cha quietly set down his drinking glass.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————